El Centro, California - Most of us know someone who suffers from dementia. People with dementia have problems with thinking and remembering, and changes in their behavior, affecting their ability to manage day-to-day activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. We don’t know yet what causes Alzheimer’s but we do know that it is most common in older adults. Right now there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that may improve some of the troublesome symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

The National Institute on Aging website has a series of fact sheets about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia if you would like to learn more.
 
People with Alzheimer’s disease ultimately require assistance with their care, and family members are an important part of the caregiving team. Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease can be both rewarding and challenging. Over the next six weeks, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting an assessment of needs of Imperial County families who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. The Agency would like to hear from family caregivers about the challenges they face, especially caregivers who are living in rural areas of the County. Family caregivers are invited to participate in a brief telephone interview at a time of their choosing or complete a short, written survey that can be mailed to them. If you are a caregiver and are interested in participating, please call 1-800-510-2020 for more information.
 
The Area Agency on Aging, 778 West State Street, El Centro, CA 92243, serves older adults throughout Imperial County, linking individuals to needed services ranging from meals to transportation. Call 1-800510-2020 for assistance, information, and referral to needed services.